Online Hearing Tests: How Accurate Are They, and Should You Take One?

A digital online hearing test offers a convenient way to assess your hearing when you are experiencing signs of hearing loss. How effective are they, though? In this article, we will discuss online hearing test accuracy and why taking the right one is recommended for those worried about their hearing health.

What is an online hearing test?

Online hearing tests provide an easy method to examine your hearing to determine whether you are experiencing hearing loss. They are an important first step in early detection of hearing loss to encourage you to schedule an appointment at a hearing clinic with an audiologist. 

A hearing screening online varies from test to test, but it should include a thorough questionnaire and diverse hearing scenarios that test your listening abilities.

Who should take an online hearing test?

Online hearing tests offer a simple way for anyone to gain general insights into their hearing health. You should consider taking a hearing screening online if you:

• Are over 50.
• Have prolonged exposure to loud noises, such as at work, attending concerts, or listening to loud music with headphones.
• Are unable to actively follow and participate in conversations.
• Find yourself asking people to repeat themselves.
• Feel that everyone is mumbling when speaking.
• Find people commenting on your difficulty hearing.
• Need to turn up the volume on the TV even when others can hear fine.
• Feel uncomfortable at social events or are avoiding them.
• Miss important directions or discussions at work.

What to Expect When Taking an Online Hearing Test

The typical online hearing test takes about 3 minutes. You will complete a series of questions and then perform a series of hearing tests. You will see improved results by taking the test in a quiet space using headphones.

Once the test is complete, the results will rate your hearing as normal hearing, moderate hearing loss, or severe hearing loss. For those with moderate-to-severe hearing loss, you will be encouraged to book a follow-up consultation or in-person hearing test with an audiologist.

What are the benefits of online hearing tests?

A free online hearing test offers many benefits, including the following:

• They are an easy way to identify potential hearing loss so you can schedule a follow-up appointment at a Hearing Solutions clinic.
• If the hearing screening online does not find hearing loss, you avoid having to schedule a follow-up test in person.
• Online hearing tests are discreet, ideal for those who feel self-conscious about possible hearing loss.
• You can use a hearing screening online anywhere you have an internet connection.
• Online hearing tests are a great way to monitor your hearing health for those with higher risk of hearing loss, as well as a tool for early detection.
• You can take the online hearing test 24/7 to accommodate your personal schedule and lifestyle.

What happens when an online hearing test confirms hearing loss?

A hearing screening online provides a quick general diagnosis of potential hearing loss. The test gives immediate results ranging from no hearing loss to moderate to severe hearing loss. If hearing loss is suspected, you can schedule a follow-up appointment at a Hearing Solutions clinic to confirm the results with a certified hearing professional.

What is the difference between an online hearing test and a clinic hearing test?

Online hearing tests act as an initial screening to identify potential hearing challenges. They offer a first step for those worried about hearing loss and consist of the following:

• Self-guided testing without a hearing professional.
• A questionnaire to identify the challenges you face in different hearing scenarios.
• Adjusting your computer volume to test the level required for you to hear clearly.
• A series of tones to test hearing at various frequencies.
• Speech test bites presented at different volumes.
• Sound bites that test what sounds you detect and what sounds you do not.
• Instant results, usually via email or on your computer screen.

A clinical hearing test is far more detailed, including:

• Guidance by a hearing professional such as an audiologist.
• A thorough one-on-one discussion to identify real-life scenarios that impact your hearing abilities.
• A detailed ear exam to rule out possible temporary, treatable causes such as earwax or ear infection.
• A series of proven audiometric tests and exams overseen by an audiologist that test how sound moves in your ear canal, how sound transfers in your skull, eardrum movement, and middle ear issues.
• A thorough diagnosis indicating the exact degree and type of hearing loss.
• Recommendations to improve your hearing ability, such as hearing devices, hearing aids, or assistive listening devices.
• A personalized hearing management plan.
• Customized hearing aid fittings.
• Lifetime support for hearing health.

When should I book an appointment with an audiologist vs. taking an online hearing test?

Although an online hearing test is always an acceptable first step to identify hearing loss, there are several scenarios that warrant an assessment by an audiologist, including the following:

• You are experiencing clear signs of deteriorating hearing.
• You are avoiding social gatherings due to your inability to follow basic conversations.
• You often miss social cues when out and about, such as not hearing a salesperson asking if you need help or not responding when a server asks for your order.
• You put yourself and others in danger while driving, such as not hearing a honking horn, failing to pull over for emergency vehicles, or driving with your turning indicator on.
• You are unable to participate in important meetings at work due to hearing challenges or are missing important details for assignments.
• Your relationship is suffering due to your refusal to acknowledge your hearing loss.

There are also subtle signs that your hearing is worsening, including frustration that everyone is mumbling. As well, you might miss common sounds in your environment, such as ambient music in restaurants or birds chirping when walking in the park. 

Each of these listening issues reduces your quality of life, confidence, and level of social engagement.

Contact the Specialists at Hearing Solutions

Whether you are experiencing signs of hearing loss, want an easy way to monitor your hearing as you age, or are simply curious about your hearing health, online hearing tests offer a convenient way to assess your general hearing ability. Although not a replacement for formal audiologist-led hearing tests, they are an important first step to hearing loss diagnosis.

For more information about online hearing tests or to start your hearing test now, click here. You can also click here to find a hearing clinic near you or here to book a hearing test at one of our Hearing Solutions clinics. As well, you can call us at 1-888-335-0771.

Additional Sources:

1. “It’s risky to ignore your hearing loss,” Hear Well Be Well. (2023, October 23),
https://hearwellbewell.ca/its-risky-to-ignore-your-hearing-loss/#:~:text=Why%20does%20getting%20a%20hearing,more%20use%20of%20healthcare%20facilities.

2. National Academy of Sciences. (2005). “Impact of Hearing Loss on Daily Life and the Workplace,” National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207836/.

3. Clason, D. (2021, December 29). “How does hearing loss affect driving?,” Healthy Hearing,
https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/52756-Tips-for-driving-safely-with-hearing-loss.